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Schools

Croton Zumba Instructor Teen Gets Young People Moving

Free classes for middle and high-schoolers will take place at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library, and begin on April 11.

Whiz Kid: Hannah Ettenberg

School:

Accomplishment:  Becoming a Zumba instructor and inspiring young people to have fun while keeping fit.

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Key to Awesomeness:  Hanna Ettenberg could not dream of giving up dancing as part of her life.

When she thought about beginning her freshman year next September at the University of Michigan, with plans to study chemical engineering, she wondered how dance—her “favorite thing to do in the world”—would fit into her busy schedule.

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“I studied hip-hop and have been dancing all my life,” the 18-year-old high school senior said. “I did not want to let go of it.”

So at the suggestion of her mother, she began a licensing course to become a certified teacher of Zumba—a fitness craze that uses Latin-inspired dance moves for a vigorous workout. This skill, Ettenberg thought, would be one she could use during her college years. Then her parents, who happen to run a weight-loss summer camp, invited her to teach the popular dance classes at the camp last summer.

Following that, she taught teens at the . “I did a four-week program and it was pretty popular,” she said.

The library asked her back and beginning Wednesday, April 11 at 7 p.m., she will offer a new 6-week, free Zumba class again, geared toward students in grades 6-12.

The fitness program is a fun, non-competitive way to stay fit, the enthusiastic teen instructor said, where one can expect to burn from 600-1000 calories per class.

“Anyone can come to my class, guys or girls, middle-schoolers or high schoolers,” Ettenberg added. “It is a fantastic way to get a really good workout while listening to great music—and to have a good time without needing to worry if you are a good dancer or not.”

 

-Space in the class is limited. Registration begins March 21: call 914-739-5654 to reserve a spot.

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